Kamuzu championed women’s rights—JB
Malawi President Joyce Banda on Tuesday hailed founding president of the country the late Hastings Kamuzu Banda, arguing Malawi will never find another leader who championed and protected women’s interest as he did.
The President, who led Malawians in commemorating the life and legacy of the former president at Kasungu CCAP on Tuesday, said Kamuzu was a true son of Malawi, Africa, father and founder of the Malawi nation.
Ironically, several critics have denounced Kamuzu as a despot who ruled the country with an iron fist for 30 years of single-party dictatorship between 1964 and 1994.
But the President hailed him as a champion of women’s rights at a time when that was not fashionable in Africa. He founded an organisation to cater for women’s rights and needs, the Chitukuko Cha Amai m’Malawi (CCAM), which was tasked with encouraging women to excel in government, education, the community, church and other spheres of life.
Said the President: “This country may not find a leader who promoted women as Kamuzu did. We were protected by him. He was a provider.”
The late president, who died in 1997, spearheaded the struggle towards independence from colonial rule.
The President reiterated that poverty levels in the country have worsened in the past 10 years.
Nkhoma Synod CCAP moderator the Reverend Vasco Kachipapa informed the President that the synod will next week fast and pray for the 2014 Tripartite Elections and good management of farm produce programme as the country may experience pockets food shortages.
Kamuzu’s confidant, Mama Cecilia Tamanda Kadzamira, was in attendance. So, too, was John Tembo, her uncle, president of the Malawi Congress Party and leader of opposition in Parliament.
